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Natural Cold + Flu Essentials for Babies and Toddlers

on September 12, 2025

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Cold + Flu Season with Little Kids

The season we moms dread is almost here, cold and flu season. As a mom of three, I feel like there are stretches where we are constantly sick. And if you’re in the thick of it, I see you. It’s exhausting.

So mom to mom, I want to share what I do in our house, both to try and prevent sickness and to soothe my babies and toddlers when it inevitably does hit.

Of course, there’s no foolproof way to keep kids from getting sick (if only!). This isn’t medical advice, and I’m not guaranteeing any results, just sharing what has worked for my family. Always check with your pediatrician or healthcare provider for medical advice.

Jump to my list of favorites!

A Little About Us

I’m Ciara, a mom to three under five, a four-year-old, a two-year-old, and an eight-month-old. I try to keep things low-tox and screen-free as much as I can, but I also believe in balance and moderation. We don’t rely on the TV, but my kids enjoy the occasional show, and we’re a very “on-the-go” family (snacks always packed!).

Because we’re out and about a lot, I noticed we were getting sick more often than I’d like. Over time, I’ve found a few things that help us stay healthier and some must-haves that make sick days more bearable.

Preventing Illness

Daily Multivitamins
We all start our day with vitamins. My kids take Hiya Vitamins and love them, they’re made from real fruits and veggies, contain no added sugars, and my kids ask for them daily. (My link saves you 20% off your first order!)

For myself, I take a daily multivitamin from New Chapter and also New Chapter’s Magnesium + Ashwagandha. I love that it’s made with quality, nature-powered ingredients, and I can grab it right at Target now. Bonus: my kids get to see me prioritizing my own health, too.

Sun + Fresh Air
We make it a point to get outside every single morning, no matter the weather. Sunshine (and even fresh air on cloudy days) does wonders for our bodies. If you’re into grounding, I also love letting my kids go barefoot in the grass. It’s simple, free, and feels good for everyone.

When We Do Get Sick

Even with the best prevention, sickness finds its way into every family. Here are my tried-and-true favorites that make cold and flu days with babies and toddlers a little more manageable:

Canopy Humidifier
We have one in each bedroom and a large one downstairs. I run them year-round at night, but when someone is sick, I keep them going all day long. Humidifiers help with congestion, sore throats, and overall comfort. I love Canopy because:

  • It’s mist-free (no puddles on the floor)
  • It uses a replaceable filter that cleans both the air and water
  • It has mold-inhibiting technology
  • All parts are dishwasher safe (mom win for cleaning!)

I have an exclusive 15% discount you can use here.

Wellements Chest + Foot Rub
This is like an organic version of Vicks, safe for babies three months and up. The second I notice congestion, I rub it on their chest and feet. It’s natural, gentle, and something I feel good about using on my little ones.

You can grab here it (it sells out every season).

Frida Bath Bombs (2+ years)
These all-natural bath bombs make bath time soothing and help with congestion. When my kids are sick, they’re in the bath a lot, it’s calming, keeps them entertained, and helps them forget they don’t feel well.

We also use our Canopy Bath Filter to filter out chlorine and other contaminants. It helps prevent dry skin, especially during winter. (Use my exclusive 15% discount!)

NoseFrida + Saline Spray
My babies don’t love it, but the NoseFrida is the most effective way I’ve found to clear congestion. I use the manual one with saline spray before naps and bedtime, and it makes such a difference in helping them sleep comfortably.

A Reliable Thermometer
A good thermometer is a must when little ones are sick. We use the Frida 3 in 1 to grab a quick temperature. Having something accurate and quick gives me peace of mind, especially at night when fevers always seem to spike.

Beekeeper’s Naturals Lollipops
These honey-based lollipops are perfect for sore throats. They feel like a treat for my kids, but I know they’re getting something soothing without all the added sugar. Code CIARA20 saves you!

Homemade Electrolyte Popsicles
We make popsicles with our Just Ingredients electrolytes and real fruit. My kids love helping make them, and I love knowing they’re staying hydrated. Our favorite flavors are guava mango and blue Hawaiian. (Pro tip: use a shaker bottle with a blender ball for mixing.) Code CIARABURGAL saves you 10%.

Hydration + Easy Snacks
When appetites are low, hydration is my top priority. I keep on hand:

  • Warm bone broth in a straw cup or thermos
  • Smoothies with frozen fruit and a little yogurt
  • Oatmeal with honey (for kids over 1)
  • Simple toast or crackers by the bedside

Sometimes just having familiar, comforting foods helps them perk up.

Comfort Items
We break out the cozy blankets, soft pajamas, and favorite water bottles/sippy cups so everything feels extra comforting. Having “sick day” PJs that are extra snuggly has surprisingly helped my kids feel special when they’re under the weather.

Our Sick Basket
I keep a small basket ready with tissues, saline spray, a water bottle, chest rub, and a couple of favorite books. It helps me avoid running back and forth all day, and my kids love having everything they need in one spot when they’re curled up on the couch.

Cleaning + Prevention
With three kids, germs spread fast. During sick days, I’m extra mindful about handwashing, wiping down high-touch surfaces, and tossing stuffed animals or blankets into the wash. I stick with low-tox cleaners so I can clean often without worrying about harsh chemicals.

Keeping Sick Days Manageable

When my kids are sick, I try to strike a balance between comfort and routine. We’ll sometimes watch a movie or one of our favorite low-stim shows like Stinky & Dirty, Bear in the Big Blue House, or Little Bear.

But I also keep some simple, quiet activities on hand:

These keep them engaged without too much stimulation and give us a break from screens.

Shop Our Cold + Flu Favorites

When sickness hits, the last thing any mom wants to do is scramble for supplies. Over the past few years, I’ve found a handful of products that really make a difference for my babies and toddlers — and for me too. I keep these stocked so I’m ready when the first cough or runny nose shows up. I thought it would be helpful to round them all up in one spot for you, mama, so you can easily find what you need.

Here’s everything I keep on hand for cold + flu season with babies and toddlers:

Did you know?

Many of Canopy’s products are HSA/FSA eligible, which means you can use pre-tax health funds to purchase them. I love that I can grab something our whole family uses daily without dipping into our regular budget. Just save your receipt or order confirmation in case your provider requires documentation

How to check out with your HSA/FSA funds:

  • Add products to your cart
    Make sure everything is set to “one-time”—HSA/FSA cards can’t be used on subscription purchases right now.
  • Check for Shop Pay
    Don’t be signed into Shop Pay, and skip accelerated checkout options (like Shop Pay, Apple Pay, or Google Pay).
  • Select Truemed at checkout
    Choose TrueMed as your payment method before completing your order.
  • Complete payment
    If you pay with your HSA/FSA card, you’re good to go! If you use a personal card, TrueMed will email reimbursement instructions.

Save 15% on orders $50+ with my exclusive link.

Final Encouragement

Having sick kids is hard. Some days you feel like all you’re doing is wiping noses, running humidifiers, and surviving. But you’re doing a great job, mama. You’re caring for your babies in the best way you know how and that matters more than anything.

xx,
Ciara

Ciara Deanne

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© 2026 Ciara Deanne